Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Love Lock Near the Locks in Seattle

I've finally spotted it happening here in Seattle. Just one, mind you, but the moment I saw it and the setting it was in, I knew why a lock was fastened to this cable. In dozens of cities all over the globe people are fastening locks on bridge railings and public gates and fences and throwing away the key. The phenomenon is dubbed "Love Locks," and I first heard about it via Paris Daily Photo last month. Eric posted a photo he took of hundreds of locks fastened to the fence along the Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge in Paris. I have since read about it happening in many cities large and small. Apparently it is a declaration of undying love inspired by the actions of a character in a 1994 novel and subsequent 2004 movie. A couple European cities contend that the practice started there first, before the novel. How romantic. I've been on the lookout for any Love Locks here in Seattle and just came across the first example I've seen: a lone lock discretely fastened to the cable fence of the new Salmon Bay Natural Area overlook. And, wouldn't you know it, within sight of the famous Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. I imagine the person who placed it there threw the key into the waters below. If you've seen this taking place elsewhere in Seattle, please let me know.

@ Halcyon, you have to understand that the Ballard neighborhood where I saw this prides itself on its blue collar fishing and saw mill neighborhood heritage. A sturdy no frills padlock pretty much sums up the vibe.

Hello Kim - your photographs are so good. Capturing the beauty and quirkiness of Seattle. I'm here now - would love to meet up. Do you want some competition for best photo of the day in Seattle? I would definitely come 2nd but it would be fun to try.Janet

Hello,Thanks to your posting my wife and I just got back from Ballard locks and left our lock their complete with our Initials and time of year. We sadly could not find the lock you mentioned at the overlook so we placed ours under the train trestle on a huge cable that comes up from the ground to the tracks. I believe it won't get removed here and if people choose they have space to add more. If you go to my Facebook you can see pics of the lock and our day under the photo album Susan and I..thanks for sharing this :)